Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang arrived in Rawalpindi on Monday for a four-day visit to Pakistan, aimed at enhancing trade and cooperation between the two countries. His visit coincides with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where global leaders will discuss important regional matters.
PM Li is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and will stay from October 14-17, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon his arrival, PM Li expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and spoke of the strong bond between the two nations, calling Pakistan China’s “all-weather strategic cooperative partner.”
Li praised Pakistan’s efforts towards reform and development, noting the strong partnership both countries share under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
During his visit, PM Li will hold discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, parliamentary leaders, and military officials. The focus will be on enhancing economic, trade, and defense cooperation.
PM Li’s visit takes place alongside the SCO Heads of Government meeting, where leaders from countries including Russia, Iran, and India will convene in Islamabad. Strict security measures are in place, with a three-day public holiday announced in Islamabad.
The summit will address critical issues affecting member states, which include Pakistan, China, Russia, India, and several other regional powers.